WFF’s Screenwriters Lab is a narrative feature script development program that brings together up to ten independent screenwriters from across Canada to work intensively with key film industry personnel in private, group and market-oriented sessions to develop their projects. This customized mentorship program focuses on advancing feature-length projects at the script stage by facilitating creative feedback and business opportunities through unparalleled access to key industry experts throughout the program.The Screenwriters Lab includes two phases, including a five-day residency that takes place in Whistler, British Columbia during the festival.

Phase I (June – November 2020): Five days of creative and business online instruction from June 1 to 5, followed by five months of ongoing customized mentorship that facilitates script development and pitch package preparation with assigned advisors.

Phase II (November 30 – December 4, 2020): Five days of business and industry immersion including lab and industry sessions, scheduled market meetings, and masterclasses providing access and networking opportunities to key decision-makers from Canada and around the world.

The Screenwriters Lab faculty consists of accomplished experts with extensive creative experience and comprehensive knowledge of the entertainment industry. The 2020 program will be co-facilitated by Patricia Gruben (BC), who recently retired from her position as Associate Professor of Film at SFU’s School of Contemporary Art and was formerly the Director of the Praxis Centre for Screenwriters, and Ruth Atkinson (LA), Script Consultant and Story Editor, who is also a returning mentor for the program. Additional Program faculty includes Dennis Foon (BC), Screenwriter (INDIAN HORSE), Novelist, and Playwright, and Patrick Whistler (ON), Screenwriter (DREAMLAND, MOBILE HOMES, and WEIRDOS) and Story Editor.Both phases of the Screenwriters Lab include advisor-led sessions, group discussions, one-on-one meetings, and interactive sessions with experienced program mentors and industry advisors, with scheduled market meetings taking place during the Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit. Participants will receive individual, project-specific feedback through a series of one-on-one sessions with advisors to strengthen their ability to position their project for investment.

The WFF Screenwriters Lab evolved from a partnership established with the Praxis Centre for Screenwriters in 2014. Praxis operated out of Simon Fraser University for 28 years until 2017 with nearly 300 writers going through the program and more than 30 scripts produced.

Key Dates

Screenwriters Lab

February 11, 2020

Call for Applications

April 5, 2020

Application Deadline

June - November, 2020

Phase I

November 30 - December 4, 2020

Phase II in Whistler, BC

Benefits

Receive specific feedback on your project with the guidance of carefully selected advisors and industry experts.

Participate in individual and group meetings with the facilitators and producer-in-residence during both phases.

Participate in high-level Master Classes during WFF:

Variety 10 Screenwriters to Watch that have delivered a Masterclass during the festival include Charlie Wachtel and David Rabinowitz (BLACKKKLANSMAN) in 2018, Maggie Betts (NOVITIATE) in 2017, Luke Davies (LION) and Todd Komarnicki (SULLY) in 2016 and Emma Donoghue (ROOM) in 2015.

Receive an industry pass to attend the Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit, offering the opportunity to network and connect with other industry professionals and attend industry sessions, films and events.

Accommodation in Whistler and ground transportation between Vancouver and Whistler provided for both phases.

Complete the program having charted a course for further development and production of your project.

Apply

Who can apply?

The WFF Screenwriters Lab is open nationally to Canadian screenwriters

All feature-length narrative screenplays are eligible to apply.

Projects with or without equity investment and/or distribution commitments are eligible.

Applicants must be able to commit to attending Phase I and Phase II.

Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status.

Applicants must demonstrate ownership of or option on all underlying rights (if any) and of the screenplay.

Only one screenwriter per project will be allowed to attend the Lab.

PLEASE NOTE: A screenwriter may enter a maximum of three projects. There must be a separate application and fee submitted for each project.

WFF values the fair and just treatment of all community members through the creation of opportunities and the removal of barriers to address historic and current disadvantages for under-represented and marginalized groups. Women, racialized people, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply.

Application Fee:

There is a $50 (plus 5% GST) non-refundable fee per application. Payment is processed through PayPal only.

Tuition:

$2,000 per participant (plus 5% GST). Due in two equal instalments, the first due April 30, and the second due October 15.* Payment plan options available upon request.Program Value: $8,000 per person.

Participant Support:

All participants will receive an Industry Pass (valued at $600), which provides access to all screenings, industry sessions and networking events during the Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit as well as access to preferred travel rates to attend the program.

WFF provides accommodation in Whistler for both phases as well as ground transportation from Vancouver to Whistler return. Some meals are also provided.

*Important Note: Participants are responsible for their own air travel to Vancouver and any incidentals outside of the program.
*Financial Assistance: Finalists are encouraged to reach out to their Provincial agencies for assistance with travel costs. WFF will write letters of support and/or provide info on your behalf about the program benefits as required. Please contact us directly to discuss how we may be of help.